The Butcher Bar, Astoria, NYC

The Butcher Bar in Astoria is a go to spot for anyone looking for fresh, locally sourced artisanal meats. What began as a market also offers a dine-in option in a neatly constructed café which seats about 20.

Started by three passionate foodies; Matthew Katakis, Kathy Castro and George Haramis, who have a vision of connecting consumers with small-scale, high quality local purveyors who practice sustainable and humane farming.

The meats sold and served here include locally sourced 100% grass-fed and grass-fed/organic grain finished beef, organic chicken, heritage breed pigs and other meats raised without using hormones, antibiotics or animal by-products.

The Butcher Bar offers a tasty menu of classic barbecue and smokehouse favorites. I really enjoyed the pulled pork and the marinated chicken breast. They have two kinds of sauces made in-house which make for delicious toppings on perfectly cooked meats.

It is wonderful to witness this locavore movement gaining momentum in Queens. I look forward to more places following in the Butcher Bar’s footsteps.